MBSR 8-Week Certificate Course

This is the official 8 Week MBSR course, taught online and live by an accredited MBSR instructor. We adhere to the MBSR Standards of Practice, and this training course serves as a prerequisite for MBSR Instructor Certification programs.

After completing the MBSR training, you will receive a certificate of completion and badge, which you can share with others via email, social media, or a website. We use the Open Badge 2.0 credentialing framework, and your digital credentials are verifiable through www.credential.net. These credentials do not expire.

The MBSR training program spans eight weeks and meets online once a week. Each session lasts approximately 2.5 hours (with the exception of sessions 1 and 8, which may run a little longer). There is also a day-long retreat on the Saturday between sessions six and seven, and a mandatory orientation the week before the first session.

To successfully complete the MBSR program, you must:

- Attend all live online sessions, including the orientation and day-long silent meditation retreat

- Practice formal meditation for at least 45 minutes per day, six days a week, using the provided guided audio meditations and any other assigned informal home practices

- Actively participate in the live sessions, share your experiences, and listen to the experiences of others taking the course

- Have a 15-minute pre-course meeting with your instructor

Throughout the MBSR program's eight-week duration, it is essential to dedicate at least 45 minutes daily for formal and informal home practice. This primarily involves meditation using the provided guided recordings, along with some informal activities and reflections.

MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) is a program developed by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn that includes sitting meditation, walking meditation, eating meditation, gentle movement, body scan, stress reduction, and informal, everyday practices. You can learn more about MBSR by clicking the provided link. Learn more about MBSR here.

Yes, you may switch teachers during the refund period. To request a refund or switch to another class that has not started, you must make the switch within seven days of your orientation. After the first class has begun, no changes can be made.

No prior experience is necessary to take the MBSR course. We will guide you through every step of the journey alongside other participants.

You may miss up to one session during the course and still receive your certificate of completion. However, if you have any unplanned absences, please inform your instructor as soon as possible.

The "Full Day Silent Retreat" will take place over Zoom. Please join from a quiet area free from noise and distraction. Ask members of your household to allow you to have solitude and silence. Bring any necessary items for the day, such as water, medication, and blankets. You will have an hour for a silent and mindful eating practice, so please bring your meal. Wear comfortable clothing and know that you will be able to tend to personal needs throughout the day to visit the bathroom, take medications, or to drink water, etc.

The full-day retreat runs from 9:00 am - 4:30 pm ET.

We recognize that reserving an entire day for your retreat might be challenging. In case of  a scheduling conflict, you can reach out to your course manager to arrange attendance at an alternative full-day retreat.

We stand behind our work and unconditionally guarantee your satisfaction with your purchase. If you are not fully satisfied, simply email us within seven days of orientation for a full refund minus a $25 application fee. Once class one begins, refunds are no longer possible.

As an experienced practitioner, you can expect to benefit greatly from the MBSR course. The course can introduce you to new meditation techniques, enhance your understanding of mindfulness research, and provide opportunities for community engagement. Furthermore, the program serves as the first step towards an MBSR Instructor Certification, opening doors for professional growth. By participating in this course, you can refine your personal mindfulness practice while connecting with other like-minded individuals in a supportive environment.

All our instructors are accredited to teach MBSR and have experience teaching mindfulness. All classes adhere to the official MBSR Standards of Practice. Each teacher maintains the structure of the course, however their approaches may vary. 

If you have purchased coaching, your instructor will contact you after class one to schedule a session. If you have not yet purchased coaching, you can do so anytime through this link. 

We request that participants join individually from two separate devices and two separate rooms. During the sessions, we often break into small groups or pairs, and sharing a screen can be challenging. It is essential to experience MBSR individually for the best outcome and to have a unique personal experience.

No. On average, it takes an MBSR instructor 2-3 years to become fully certified. Several classes are required before one can become a fully certified instructor. Taking the 8-week MBSR course is the first step in your journey to become an MBSR instructor.

Various institutions offer helpful articles and resources that outline the full path to becoming an MBSR instructor. Please refer to our MBSR Teacher Training Guide.

Our pricing is already discounted and highly competitive. We do not offer group discounts for public classes. However, we would be delighted to arrange a private group class for your organization. Please contact us for more details.

Mindful Leader is an accredited training provider through the International Accreditors of Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and adheres to the international ANSI Standard for Continuing Education and Training. MBSR qualifies for 7.2 CEUs. In addition certifications are managed on Accredible, the world's leading digital credential platform, following the Open Badges 2.0 framework.